How to Prelube an Oil Pump After a Rebuild

Iskandar Blogger 8:14 AM
How to Prelube an Oil Pump After a Rebuild

Pre-lubing, or priming, an engine's oil pump is necessary whenever it is replaced or cleaned. This lubricates the pump's internal gears, allowing it to draw oil for the rest of the engine. Priming the pump also helps circulate oil throughout the engine before starting it. As the distributor's rotation drives the oil pump, the oil pump drive gear connects to the base of the distributor. Priming an oil pump is easily accomplished after removing the distributor from the engine.

Instructions

    1

    Mark the distributor and distributor cap's exact setting. With chalk, mark the top of the distributor shaft and the engine block next to it. Also, mark the distributor cap and distributor base. When the distributor is re-mounted, these marks must line up. If necessary, wipe the areas being marked with a rag, giving the chalk a cleaner surface.

    2

    Remove the distributor. By hand, remove the distributor cap by unhooking the two locking clamps. Then remove the distributor by loosening the bolt found at the top of the distributor shaft, located underneath the distributor, with the proper-sized wrench. Loosen the bolt until the distributor lifts out easily. The oil pump drive gear shaft is located inside the opening where the distributor shaft was installed.

    3

    Attach the oil pump priming extension to the drill by loosening the chuck and inserting the extension. Tighten the chuck until the priming extension is secure.

    4

    Attach the extension to the oil-pump drive gear by placing it inside the distributor mount opening, making sure the gear lines up with the priming extension. When in place, operate the drill -- which turns the oil pump, priming it in the process. Continue turning the oil pump gear for at least 5 minutes. The pump is now primed.

    5

    Remove the priming extension, and replace the distributor. Line up the two marks on the distributor and the engine, and insert the distributor shaft. It might be necessary to jiggle the distributor to make it fit all the way. After the distributor is inserted, realign the two chalk marks and tighten the distributor locking bolt. Replace the distributor cap, making sure the chalk marks are lined up. Clamp down the distributor cap.